[divine82]

Originally Posted by KathyA11

And I'm a lifelong resident of NJ (just outside NYC), and this June has been the coolest on record.

People are leaving this area because of the expense. I love NJ, but we're moving to Florida because we can't afford to live here now that we're both retired. Our RE taxes alone are nearly $8200 now (on a 50 x 100 property -- on the house we're buying in Florida, they're way less than half that, on a house that's twice the size located on over an acre). And we're tired of $350 energy bills in the winter, as well as shoveling snow, and being stuck in the house 6 months out of the year.

Exactly, that is why we want to move to Fl in the next 2-3 yrs the cost of RE taxes and everything is horrible out here in NY. By the time we pay the house off the taxes will be so high that we will still feel like were paying a mortgage every month.

[gluque]

Originally Posted by rachaelb

Actually, if you look at my post again, I am not quite back there - but working on it.

In terms of the questions, here goes:

jobs -- I telecommute now, so this wasn't an issue as I built my telecommuting job up until I could live anywhere (which was when I left FL). If I worked in construction, or customer service/tourist industries, this would be a HUGE issue -- I have many friends still in FL who are hurting

schools - I am a teacher, but I was in a great school district. My personal experience was one of frustration, but there were also limited resources at the time for my special needs child.

people - some great experiences, some negative, my negatives were mainly due to living in a small town with an ex that had a BIG mouth, lol in a bad way

driving - I lived in a small beach town, but when I taught in the school district, I did have to drive 45 min each way. HOWEVER, I am originally from the DC area, so not a big deal as I was used to that.

the cost of living - I found some prices higher surprisingly on some items that I would think would be cheap(fresh fish), but rent prices tanked right after I left, as did house prices. Insurance on my house as well as taxes were as much as my house payment, but I think that may be offset by the fact that there is no state income tax. Not sure as I am not as aware of this as others may be on the forum.

the quality of life - I lived in a super small beach town that I loved, but there were the regular issues you find anywhere. My biggest concern was the sexual predator issue (see other threads)

the summer heat -- coming from DC where you have Red Alert days b/c of the ozone level and the humidity is SOOOO horrible, FL was a cakewalk to me! One thing I used to hate though -- the rainy season is during the summer when teachers are off! Cruel irony!!

Since this is a positive thread, I tried to remain as focused on the positives as I responded to these questions. I am sure that you will find more information the more you dig.

Can you elaborate on the sexual predators issue? I would like a little more information on that please as well as the rainy season. I am all for being positive but I am also for being realistic and having a balanced opinion.